2009 IDITAROD CHAMPION'S CRUISE

2009 IDITAROD CHAMPION'S CRUISE HOSTED BY LANCE MACKEY


Join two time Iditarod Champ Lance Mackey and some of his team*, that has won the last two “Great Race” championships on a Knightly Tours Exclusive Alaska Cruise. Join Lance as we cruise depart Seattle aboard Star Princess for a 7 day Alaska cruise to Lance’s home state. Your adventure includes two Private Cocktail Receptions and two Private Lectures with Lance as he recounts the wonders of this race. Plus you will receive Shipboard Credits ranging from $100 to $300 per couple so you can enjoy ship board life.

August 23 Embark Star Princess and depart Seattle
Arriving in Seattle you will transfer to the awaiting Star Princess. Tonight you enjoy a Private Welcome Cocktail and meet Lance and the other members of the group. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy your luxury cruise ship as sail through Puget Sound enroute to Alaska.

August 24 Cruising to Alaska
The day is spent enjoy the hundreds of possibilities aboard Star Princess. There is something for everyone. Later today Lance (and hopefully some of this team) will give a Private Lecture on the wonders of participating in “The Last Great Race”. You will learn about training, preparation for the race and what life is like on the trail. Cruising to Alaska and learning about one of the most historic races will make for a memorable day.

August 25 Ketchikan
Your call today is in the “Salmon Capital of Alaska”. Ketchikan offers many options for exploring Alaska’s beauty. Floatplanes, fishing fleets and cruise ships all help you enjoy the beauty of the Tongass National Forest. Make sure no matter what else you do in this town, allow yourself time to stroll Creek Street and learn about some of Ketchikan’s colorful past.

August 26 Tracy Arm and Juneau
This morning Star Princess slips into Tracy Arm Fjord. This magnificent waterway twists and turns for some 30 miles until it ends at the Twin Sawyer Glaciers. These icy blue wonders are magnificent in the morning light and sheer walls for fjord provide unique cruising experience. Wildlife abounds so keep your eyes focused and your camera.

Later you arrive in Juneau, Alaska’s capital city. Here adventure options abound, river rafting, helicopter flightseeing, whale watching and flightseeing all provide you with wonderful opportunities to enjoy the capital city.

August 27 Skagway
In 1898 thousands or would be gold miner arrived in this town headed for Dawson. The town was hard with comforts of home. Today while many of the buildings are preserved in the National Park you can enjoy a latte or have a fine meal, but the frontier friendliness and adventure still abound. Make sure you visit the Park Headquarters and learn about the great gold rush. Tonight you sail Lynn Canal another masterpiece on the inland waterway.

August 28 Cruising
Today will give you another opportunity to relax and enjoy the ship. Spa treatments, cooking class, a work out maybe or just enjoying that book as the beauty slides by. You have a the day to learn more about the race as tonight the group will enjoy another Private Cocktail Party with Lance. He will inform and entertain you with some tails of the trail.

August 29 Cruising and Victoria
Enjoy your last day sea and another Private Lecture to hear Lance speak. This evening you make a call in British Columbia’s capital Victoria. This little bit of old England has a charm and allure that will make you think you are strolling in London.

August 30 Depart for Home
You arrive in Seattle this morning, clear Customs and depart for home, with the memory of meeting one of Alaska’s great competitors and enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Your Exclusive Knightly Tours Iditarod Champion Cruise includes:

7 night Star Princess Alaska Cruise
Calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway
Glacier Cruising
2 Lectures with Lance Mackey (and team*)
2 Private Cocktail Parties with Lance
Knightly Tours Escort
Onboard Ship Credits

EXPERIENCE ALASKA TOUR - Escorted

Be one of a few guests who will experience Alaska on a truly unique and personal level. We have created a tour that travels through the less frequented areas of Alaska. Plus this tour gives you in depth experiences in two of our great National Parks, Denali National and Wrangell-St. Elias.

Travel on our exclusive 8-guest, luxury touring coach, complete with driver/guide/concierge for 8 days and 7 nights. Also included are 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners, Anchorage, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Fairbanks and Denali National Park. See most of Alaska's top attractions in just 8 days.

An exclusive feature of this tour is two in depth day tours through Denali National and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Each tour will offer an in depth exploration of the Parks by both coach and flightseeing to truly appreciate the enormity of these great parks.


Experience Alaska Tour - 8 Days from Anchorage

Departs Select Days

May 24 - August 15, 2009
Every Experience Alaska Tour Features


Travel by 8-passenger luxury touring coach
Experienced Driver/Guide/Concierge
Moderate Hotels
Baggage Handling
7 Breakfasts (3 Continental, 4 American)
2 Dinners
1 Lunch
All sightseeing tours as outlined


Day 1 - Anchorage

Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time you may want to explore Alaska’s largest city.

Day 2 - Anchorage to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Enjoy breakfast then meet your driver/guide/concierge who will be with you for the next seven days. Travel east through the Matanuska Valley and then on to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. (CB)

Day 3 - In depth exploration of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Today you tour Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and the town of McCarthy. The tour will take you to historic Kennicott, the Kennicott Glacier Lodge and Kennicott Glacier. Your return by air is at 4:00pm. (B)

Day 4 - Wrangell-St. Elias National Park to Fairbanks

Today explore the Richardson and Alaska Highways as you traverse the eastern part of the state. You’ll arrive in Fairbanks and overnight. After check-in, you will dine at an authentic Alaska Salmon bake, enjoying the distinctive .avor of alder cooked salmon. (B, D)

Day 5 - Riverboat Discovery Cruise and Denali

This morning board the Riverboat Discovery for a cruise on the Chena and Tanana Rivers. The Discovery, operated by the Binkley family, boasts four generations of riverboat captains. The family will offer you an informative and unique view of the importance of the rivers to the Alaskan economy and history. After lunch your coach will take you to Denali National Park. This evening enjoy a dinner-show at the lodge before retiring. (CB, D)

Day 6 - The Best of Denali

After breakfast, you’ll embark on your in-depth tour of Denali National Park. The tour coach will pick you up at 6:30am and traverse the entire 95 miles of road through the Park. Travel 30 miles further into the Park than other tours. Be on the look out for wildlife, and stunning views of Mt. McKinley. After traveling the road you enter the Kantishna region, where you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at a charming backcountry lodge. You will then have free time to spend at the lodge enjoying activities. You return by air, flying over Denali National Park, and arrive at your hotel by 3:30pm. (B, L)

Day 7 - Scenic Rail to Talkeetna and on to Anchorage

Enjoy a leisurely morning or maybe an optional excursion before you board your Classic Dome rail car. The train departs for Talkeetna at approximately noon. The highlight of today’s trip is crossing the bridge at Hurricane Gulch, some 300 feet above the river below. You will be met by your coach at the Talkeetna Rail depot and continue your journey to Anchorage, arriving by 8:00pm. (B)

Day 8 - Anchorage

Your tour ends with a transfer to the Anchorage airport for your flight home. (CB)

IDITAROD TOUR

2008 winner Lance Mackey


Featuring a Private Breakfast with Lance Mackey, 2007 & 2008 Iditarod Champion


5 Days - Anchorage

March 4 to March 8, 2009


Your Exclusive Knightly Tours Iditarod Tour includes:


4 Nights Captain Cook Hotel (Junior Suite)
5 Breakfasts
1 Dinner (Mushers' Banquet)
Escort
Private Transfers
Private Meeting / Lecture with Lance Mackey, 2007& 2008 Iditarod Champion
All admissions (including two lectures of your choice Friday February 29)

Day 1 - March 4, Wednesday Arrival in Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage you are met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and get acquainted with your guide and the city of Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage

Day 2 - March 5, Thursday Touring Anchorage

This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will attend a "Welcome to Alaska" orientation that will review the week's activities. This will be your in depth introduction to the "Last Great Race".

Before leaving for a drive along Alaska's only National Scenic Highway, the Seward, we'll visit the Anchorage Museum of Art and History. Then, drive south of Anchorage toward Portage Glacier. Here on the eastern edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the road skirts Turnagain Arm, where 14,000 years ago we would have been unable to drive here as the landscape was covered with late Wisconsin glaciers. Turnagain Arm was named by English Captain, James Cook in 1778. We'll stop at Beluga Point, a 4,000-year old Alutiiq Eskimo hunting site, where the second highest tides in the world occur with a 38-feet surge.

Tonight you will attend the Mushers' Banquet where you enjoy the festivities as you celebrate the great achievement of the serum run to Nome. At the banquet you will have a chance to bid on an opportunity to ride in one of the sleds during the race start in Anchorage. (B) (D) Overnight Anchorage

Day 3 - March 6, Friday Private Breakfast Reception with a Musher

This morning our group will enjoy a private meeting with Lance Mackey 2007 Iditarod Champion.

Lance will provide insights into the sled dogs, their many characteristics and attributes, the years of breeding and training that goes into putting together a team. You will learn first hand of his accomplishment in winning last years" Iditarod Race".

As well, he will describe the strategy, hardships, technical aspects and joys of life on the trail - the race itself. We'll get a good look at the sled, (20" wide), clothing and gear that carries the musher, food and required survival equipment for two weeks from Anchorage 1,150 miles across the wilderness of Alaska to Nome on the Bering Sea coast. What it takes to win this extraordinary sled dog race will soon emerge from the discussion.

This afternoon you have free time to attend some lectures on the race and learn even more in anticipation of the race start tomorrow. (B) Overnight Anchorage

Day 4 - March 7, Saturday "Race Day"

The ceremonial Iditarod start will begin in downtown Anchorage, where thousands of fans and media from around the world join in this world-famous event. The #1 position is reserved for Leonard Seppala, one of the most famous musher's who carried the diphtheria serum to Nome over the original Iditarod Trail. Today, fans who were the successful bidders on the "Idita-Rider" auction will ride in the sled of a musher as they leave the start chute. (B) Overnight Anchorage

Day 5 - March 8, Sunday Race Re-Start and on to Fairbanks

Today we transfer to watch the official start for the race to Nome. Depending on conditions the race will re-start at Wasilla or Willow. Mushers will hookup their dogs and race across more than 1,000 miles of Alaska's wilderness. The dogs sense that this is "go time" and their level of excitement is unmatched. You will have a far better, closer look at the teams and mushers.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Go! With a rooster-tail of snow behind each sled speeding down the chute, mushers wave to fans as they head off on the "Last Great Race". After wishing the mushers well we head to the Anchorage Airport and fly home.

Northern Lights - Ice Championship Ice Carving

March 8 to March 13, 2009

Your Exclusive Knightly Tours Northern Lights Tour includes:


3 Nights Fairbanks Princess
2 Nights Chena Hot Springs
5 Breakfasts
1 Dinners (Pump House Final Night Dinner)
Escort
Private Transfers

Day1 - March 8, Sunday Arrive in Fairbanks

Today you will arrive in Fairbanks the "Golden Heart City". Transfer to your hotel for the night and enjoy the beauty of your hotel. Overnight Fairbanks

Day 2 - March 9, Monday Fairbanks Orientation and Northern Lights

This morning will feature an orientation of the schedule of events in Fairbanks.

After lunch, we'll leave Fairbanks for a scenic 60-mile drive east along the scenic Chena River Valley to Chena Hot Springs to enjoy the wonders of the hot springs and search for the Northern Lights. (B) Overnight Chena Hot Springs

Day 3 - March 10, Wednesday Full day at Chena Hot Springs Resort

This resort is recognized internationally as the best North America site to view the northern lights. Guests enjoy the unique Rock Lake natural mineral hot pool, exquisite Moose Lodge and gourmet meals.

Optional activities include northern lights Aurorarium, Snow Coach Aurora Tour atop one of Alaska's oldest mountains, dog sled rides, cross country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

For the adventurous there will be a variety of dog sled ride opportunities with veteran Alaska dog mushers. (B) Overnight Chena Hot Springs

Day 4 - March 11, Thursday Depart Chena Hot Springs to Fairbanks

Enjoy breakfast this morning and enjoy a final swim in the hot springs pool before we depart for Fairbanks where we check in at the Fairbanks Princess Hotel.

On the way stops will be made at the University of Alaska Museum, Alaska's official repository for natural science collections: everything from gold bullion to butterflies to "blue" bison, an Ice Age relict, and the Alaska Bird Observatory.

A short visit to the Large Animal Research Station to see Musk Ox breed in captivity will wind up the afternoon. Later this evening we will visit the Ice Park to view the multi and single block carvings lit and showcased in a rainbow of colors. (B) Overnight Fairbanks

Day 5 - March 12 Tuesday Tour to Fairbanks and Ice Carving Competition

This morning we return to the Ice Park for a more close up inspection and viewing of all the intricate carvings. The World Ice Art Championships attract ice carvers from around world. The park encompasses 25 acres, and hosts visitors and the carving competition for three weeks in March. At this time, the competition is "icy" as the carvers showcase the intricate, complex, larger-than-life multi-block final competition. You won't believe what you see!

As this is our last day and evening together we will dine at the famed "Pump House" and enjoy a truly great Alaskan meal before depart tomorrow for our home cities. (B, D) Overnight in Fairbanks.

Day 6 - March 13, Friday Depart Fairbanks

Today your northern adventure ends with individual transfers to the airport. If time permits your escort will shuttle you around town to any site you wish to revisit. (B)

IDITAROD - NORTHERN LIGHTS - Escorted Tour

March 4- March 13, 2009

Tour Includes:


4 Nights Captain Cook Hotel
3 Nights Fairbanks Princess
2 Nights Chena Hot Springs
9 Breakfasts
2 Dinners (Mushers' Banquet and Pump House Final Night Dinner)
Escort
Private Transfers
Airfare Anchorage to Fairbanks
Private Meeting/Lecture with Iditarod Musher
All admissions (including two lectures of your choice)


Day 1 - March 4, Wednesday

Arrival in Anchorage - Upon arrival in Anchorage you are met and transferred to your hotel. Settle in and get acquainted with your guide and the city of Anchorage. Overnight Anchorage

Day 2 - March 5, Thursday

Touring Anchorage This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will attend a "Welcome to Alaska" orientation that will review the week's activities. This will be your in depth introduction to the "Last Great Race".

Before leaving for a drive along Alaska's only National Scenic Highway, the Seward, we'll visit the Anchorage Museum of Art and History. Then, drive south of Anchorage toward Portage Glacier. Here on the eastern edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire," the road skirts Turnagain Arm, where 14,000 years ago we would have been unable to drive here as the landscape was covered with late Wisconsin glaciers. Turnagain Arm was named by English Captain, James Cook in 1778. We'll stop at Beluga Point, a 4,000-year old Alutiiq Eskimo hunting site, where the second highest tides in the world occur with a 38-feet surge.

Tonight you will attend the Mushers' Banquet where you enjoy the festivities as you celebrate the great achievement of the serum run to Nome. At the banquet you will have a chance to bid on an opportunity to ride in one of the sleds during the race start in Anchorage. (B) Overnight Anchorage

Day 3 - March 6, Friday

Private Breakfast Reception with a Musher This morning our group will enjoy a private meeting with an Iditarod Musher.

Our musher will provide insights into the sled dogs, their many characteristics and attributes, the years of breeding and training that goes into putting together a team. As well, he will describe the strategy, hardships, technical aspects and joys of life on the trail - the race itself. We'll get a good look at the sled, (20" wide), clothing and gear that carries the musher, food and required survival equipment for two weeks from Anchorage 1,150 miles across the wilderness of Alaska to Nome on the Bering Sea coast. What it takes to win this extraordinary sled dog race will soon emerge from the discussion.

This afternoon you have free time to attend some lectures on the race and learn even more in anticipation of the race start tomorrow. (B) Overnight Anchorage

Day 4 - March 7, Saturday "Race Day"

The ceremonial Iditarod start will begin in downtown Anchorage, where thousands of fans and media from around the world join in this world-famous event. The #1 position is reserved for Leohard Seppala, one of the most famous mushers who carried the diphtheria serum to Nome over the original Iditarod Trail. Today, fans who were the successful bidders on the "Idita-Rider" auction will ride in the sled of a musher as they leave the start chute. Overnight Anchorage

Day 5 - March 8, Sunday

We'll leave Anchorage for a short drive to Wasilla. We will visit the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Headquartersand then we will watch the Race Re-Start.. (B)

Today the real race to Nome begins, with the re-start at Wasilla. Mushers will hookup their dogs and race across more than 1,000 miles of Alaska's wilderness. The dogs sense that this is "go time" and their level of excitement is unmatched. You will have a far better, closer look at the teams and mushers.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Go!

With a rooster-tail of snow behind each sled speeding down the chute, mushers wave to fans as they head off on the "Last Great Race". After wishing the mushers well we head to the Anchorage Airport and fly to Fairbanks to enjoy more wonders of the North. (B) Overnight Fairbanks

Day 6 - March 9, Monday

Tour to Fairbanks and Ice Carving Competition The highlight today will be a visit to the Ice Alaska Park which encompasses 25 acres, and which will host visitors and the carving competition for three weeks in March. We'll visit Ice Alaska both during the day and at night. At this time, the competition is "icy" as the carvers showcase the intricate, complex, larger-than-life multi-block final competition. You won't believe what you see! (B) Overnight Fairbanks

Day 7- March 10, Tuesday

Fairbanks Orientation and Northern Lights This morning will feature an orientation of the schedule of events in Fairbanks.

After lunch, we'll leave Fairbanks for a scenic 60-mile drive east along the scenic Chena River Valley to Chena Hot Springs to enjoy the wonders of the hot springs and search for the Northern Lights. (B) Overnight Chena Hot Springs

Day 8 - March 11, Wednesday

Full day at Chena Hot Springs Resort This resort is recognized internationally as the best North America site to view the northern lights. Guests enjoy the unique Rock Lake natural mineral hot pool, exquisite Moose Lodge and gourmet meals.

Optional activities include northern lights Aurorarium, Snow Coach Aurora Tour atop one of Alaska's oldest mountains, dog sled rides, cross country skiing, snowshoeing or snowmobiling.

For the adventurous there will be a variety of dog sled ride opportunities with veteran Alaska dog mushers. (B) Overnight Chena Hot Springs

Day 9 - March 12, Thursday

Depart Chena Hot Springs to Fairbanks Enjoy breakfast this morning and have the morning free to explore the Springs. After lunch you depart for Fairbanks, where there is time to enjoy the Ice Park. Tonight you will dine at the famed "Pump House" and enjoy a truly great Alaskan meal before depart home. (B, D) Overnight in Fairbanks

Day 10 - March 13, Friday

Depart Fairbanks - Today your northern adventure ends with individual transfers to the airport. If time permits your escort will shuttle you around town to any site you wish to revisit. (B)

Knightly Tours Company History

Today we are the oldest independently owned Alaska tour wholesaler packaging Alaska vacation itineraries. Itinerary variety is primary at Knightly Tours. At Knightly , all forms travel can be incorporated in itineraries to provide the ultimate customized Alaska vacation. Over the years Alaska has become a destination that is attracting more independent travelers. We are committed to the independent traveler, one who seeks expertise in Alaska itinerary planning that goes beyond mass tourism.

Our staff has over 200 years of combined experience in the Alaska travel business. Most of our staff has lived in Alaska and of course traveled extensively throughout the state. It is only through such intimate knowledge of the state, its' culture, and variety of attractions that the independent traveler can be served. If you truly want to experience Alaska "your way" Knightly Tours gives you more choice and freedom than any other Alaska travel company.

Knightly Tours is a member in good standing of the Alaska Travel Industry Association and American Society of Travel Agents.

Alaska is waiting for you. Knightly Tours is ready to turn your ideas for a visit to America's Last Frontier into reality.

About the Greatland

THE GREAT LAND

Are you planning a visit to America’s Last Frontier? Its size is 1/5 that of the contiguous United States with five unique areas: Inside Passage, Southcen-tral, Interior, Far North and Southwest. Alaska became the 49th state in 1959 with Juneau as its capital. Originally called “Alyeska--The Great Land” by its native dwellers, it was bought from Russia in 1867 for $7,200,000. Alaska is the home of Mt McKinley, known to the natives as “Denali--The Great One.” At 20,320 feet, it is the highest mountain on the North American continent.

Start the new millennium with a trip back in history. Visit the gold rush towns of Skagway, Fairbanks, Juneau or Nome. Contrast the present and the past with a tour over the Arctic Circle, visiting an Inupiat or Athabascan village and learning of their subsistence lifestyle. En route you may see the Trans-Alaska Pipeline that carries Alaska’s “liquid gold” from Prudhoe Bay to the Port of Valdez.

Nowhere else can you view so many active glaciers and find such a rich abundance of wildlife. Many areas in Alaska can only be reached by air or water as the mountains, rough coastlines and tundra prohibit road building.

WEATHER: Varies throughout the state. Tempera-ture highs reach 80° in Fairbanks in July, but are generally in the lower 70°s and 60°s. Lows in the 50°s for most of the season. The Inside Passage area is the wettest part of the state, but you can experience sun, rain or fog anywhere--sometimes all on the same day!

DINING: Meal prices vary throughout Alaska so allow approximately $35 to $50 per day per person. Most of the hotels we book have a dining room for the purchase of meals or are within walking distance of restaurants.

CLOTHING: Alaska’s dress code is informal and casual. Dress in layers for the most comfort. A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes are essential. Gloves, a warm hat and sunglasses are good accessories. Only on large cruise ships is dressier attire expected for formal occasions.

MOSQUITOES: Mosquitoes and other pesty insects can be a problem in any part of the state, but are especially plentiful in wilderness areas. Their numbers vary depending on seasons, weather and geography so it’s hard to predict whether or not they will be a problem. Bring a good insect repellent with you so you are prepared if necessary.

DAYLIGHT: June is the “lightest” month with 24 hours of daylight north of the Arctic Circle and 18 hours in the southernmost parts of the state. May and July have 17-24 hours of daylight and August has 15-19 hours. Even September averages more than 12 hours of daylight per day.

Alaska is waiting for you. Knightly Tours is ready to turn your ideas for a visit to America's Last Frontier into reality.